NL Central

NL West

Food and Beverage / Gate Policy

Major League Baseball and the Pirates are committed to creating a safe, comfortable and enjoyable atmosphere for fans attending games at PNC Park.

Gate Information, Helpful Tips, Permitted/Prohibited Items

Gates open one and one half hours (1½) prior to game time and two hours on Opening Day. For games starting at 7:05pm or later, the Clemente Gate opens two and one half hours (2½) prior to game time. For daytime starts earlier than 7:05pm, the Clemente Gate opens two hours (2) prior to game time. Season Ticket Members should refer to the early entry gate policy here.

In an effort to ensure the safety of those entering the ballpark, all guests entering PNC Park will be asked to enter through upright metal detectors. Fans are strongly encouraged to arrive early to allow for the security measures at PNC Park.

The Pirates ask that all fans follow some simple tips to ensure easy entrance to the ballpark:

Please allow for additional time when coming to the game.

Please minimize all unnecessary bags and metal objects when coming into the ballpark.

When approaching the walk-through metal detectors, please remove cell phones, cameras, tablets, laptops and other large metal objects. Please do not remove any jackets, belts, coins, keys, wallets, watches, or other objects of similar size.

"We value each and every one of our fans. We appreciate their patience and support as we work together to make PNC Park an even more secure place to enjoy Pirates Baseball." - Pirates President Frank Coonelly.

Each guest is permitted to bring one bag into the ballpark. All bags, purses, fanny packs and backpacks 16x16x8-inch or smaller are permitted and subject to search upon entry and within the ballpark. Soft-sided coolers and soft-sided briefcases are permitted. Hard-sided coolers and briefcases, ice packs and cooler inserts are not permitted. For the convenience of those guests not carrying purses, fanny packs and bags into the ballpark, express lanes are offered at each gate.

Guests are permitted to bring bottled water and food that may fit into a 16x16x8-inch soft-sided bag into the ballpark. Water bottles should not exceed 24 ounces in size, and must be clear, plastic, sealed and disposable. Children's juice boxes and items necessary for medical purposes are permitted. Alcoholic beverages, carbonated beverages, sports drinks, cans, glass bottles and thermoses are not allowed.

Outside food and beverage is not permitted entry into the Lexus Club, Suite Level or the Rivertowne Brewing Hall of Fame Club areas.

Hazardous or disruptive items cannot be brought into the ballpark. Samples of items that are not permitted include boom boxes, inflatable balls, balloons, frisbee discs, laser pointers, fireworks, footballs and weapons of any kind. The Pirates reserve the right to inspect and remove any packages and/or containers.

This policy applies to regular season Pittsburgh Pirates home games only, and may be changed for other events held at PNC Park.

2016 Pirates Security FAQ

The Pittsburgh Pirates and Major League Baseball see fan safety as top priority. The enhanced measures at PNC Park are part of a Major League Baseball-wide initiative that calls for metal detection devices to be in place to screen all fans as they enter each Major League Baseball ballpark. While the Pirates already met this requirement, the organization decided to make the move to walk-through metal detectors to enhance the fan experience.

Q: What can fans expect at the PNC Park gates?

Prior to entering the ballpark, guests will first have their bags checked. The next step in the process is for guests to walk through on of the 44 metal detectors placed at each entrance. After clearing the bag check and a form of metal detection, guests will then scan their ticket at a turnstile to enter the ballpark.

Q: What do I need to remove before walking through the metal detectors?

Unlike the screening machines at airports, when approaching the ballpark walk-through metal detectors, guests are asked to NOT REMOVE any jackets, belts, coins, keys, wallets, watches, or other objects of similar size. Guests will be asked to REMOVE cell phones, cameras, tablets, laptops and other large metal objects. When approaching the walk-through metal detectors, guests will be asked to slide these items in an extended tray that will be fixed alongside each individual machine in close proximity and in clear sight. Once through the machine, each fan can easily and quickly gather their items and proceed inside the ballpark.

Q: Does this mean it is going to take a long time to get through the gates before each game?

We are making every effort to ensure that these security enhancements do not slow down entry to PNC Park, and will work to expedite the process. The move to walk-through metal detectors represents a shift away from the use of only metal detecting wands, which have been utilized since mid-way through the 2013 season.

Q: What if I do not have a bag to be checked?

For the convenience of those guests not carrying purses, fanny packs and bags into the ballpark, express lanes are offered at each gate.

Q: I have a medical device that sets off walk through metal detectors. What is going to happen to me at the gate?

Guests who do not wish to walk through the metal detectors will have the option of being checked with a handheld metal detector.

Q: Can I still bring a stroller? What about a wheelchair?

All guests must pass through a form of metal detection to enter the building. Guests with strollers and those who use wheelchairs will be checked with a handheld metal detector.

Q. Do children have to walk through the metal detectors?

Major League Baseball requires that all guests must pass through a form of metal detection to enter the ballpark. Parents may carry infants and toddlers through the metal detectors. Guests who do not wish to walk through the metal detectors will have the option of being checked with handheld metal detectors.

What other gate policies have changed for 2016?

All other standard PNC Park gate policies and procedures remain unchanged for the 2016 season. Each guest is still permitted to bring one bag into the ballpark. All bags, purses, fanny packs and backpacks 16x16x8-inch or smaller are permitted and subject to search upon entry and within the ballpark. Soft-sided coolers and soft-sided briefcases are also permitted. Hard-sided coolers and briefcases, ice packs and cooler inserts are not permitted.